'He launched me in the air' - Grandfather recounts terrifying Yellowstone Park bison attack

July 21, 2026

A 65-year-old grandfather, Carl Isom-McDaniel, was attacked by a bison at Yellowstone National Park on July 10th while visiting with his grandson. The approximately 2,000-pound animal charged and launched him into the air after the pair took a photograph, with the violent incident captured on video that subsequently went viral. The impact itself didn't cause the injuries, but rather the landing broke his hip into multiple pieces, requiring surgery at Bozeman Health hospital in Montana.

Who is affected

Carl Isom-McDaniel (65-year-old grandfather who was attacked and hospitalized)
Isom-McDaniel's grandson (who was present during the attack)
Yellowstone Park visitors (who are warned about bison dangers)
Dr. Eric Lowe and medical staff at Bozeman Health hospital (who treated the patient)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article beyond the completed surgery that Isom-McDaniel already underwent.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the serious dangers that wild animals pose to park visitors, even when safety guidelines appear to be followed. Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal, demonstrating that their tranquil appearance is deceptive. The attack serves as an important reminder that wildlife behavior can be unpredictable, particularly during mating season, and that maintaining recommended distances doesn't guarantee safety from aggressive animal encounters.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC